Replacement Fire Station reflects wider role of volunteers

Herbertville will soon gain a headquarters for the district’s Voluntary Rural Fire Party. Its official name will be the Herbertville Community Rural Fire and Civil Defence Centre.

The enlarged centre is designed to the latest building standard, and reflects the “first response” role performed by volunteers. To help the community prepare for emergencies, it will also have space and equipment for training courses, public meetings and listening to guest speakers” district resilience manager Paddy Driver said.

With the change in construction, Council is also consulting on a possible change to part of the Reserve adjacent, needed for construction.

Funding for the buildings reflects the multi purpose function. Tararua District Council and the National Rural Fire Authority will contribute $52,000 and $30,000 respectively with the remaining balance of $50,000 being sought from other funding agencies.

A public meeting had been held at Herbertville and the community was supportive of the concept, Mr Driver said.